Galesburg, IL (July 23, 2025) Work continues downtown, bringing improvements to Simmons Street and the nearby downtown parking lot. This significant revitalization project began in March with the closure of the Prairie Street intersection, one block of Simmons Street, and the west half of the parking lot. Today, the Prairie Street intersection reopened to traffic, and the west half of the parking lot will soon be open as well. As work begins on the next phase, the Kellogg Street intersection and the east half of the parking lot will soon close.
Citizens can anticipate the Prairie Street intersection will be temporarily controlled by stop signs, pending the upcoming installation of traffic signals. The staged closing of the intersections and parking lot was designed to prevent both intersections being closed simultaneously and allow continued parking in half of the busy downtown lot throughout the construction.
When the project is completed, improvements on Simmons Street will include:
- New ADA-compliant sidewalks
- Curb and gutter upgrades
- Storm sewer improvements
- Asphalt resurfacing
- Landscaping and tree planting
- Installation of benches and trash receptacles
- Decorative street lighting
The reconstruction of the adjacent City parking lot will include:
- Reconstruction of the asphalt surface
- Curb and gutter upgrades
- Landscaping
- A pedestrian canopy
- Decorative lighting
The total anticipated project cost is $2.5 million. Funding for the project includes a $2,082,500 Rebuild Illinois Downtown and Main Streets Grant, with approximately $400,000 in local funds contributing to the overall cost.
“We appreciate the patience of citizens while the transformation is underway,” said Aaron Gavin, Director of Public Works. “When completed, the project will be a significant improvement to our downtown, and we are grateful for the Rebuild Illinois Downtown and Main Streets Grant, which made this project possible.”
Construction is anticipated to be ongoing throughout the remainder of the construction season and completed by October 2025. More information on City of Galesburg construction projects can be accessed on the interactive map on the City of Galesburg website.
*** Courtesy of the City of Galesburg
